NEW DELHI — The biennial elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states concluded on Monday, March 16, 2026, solidifying the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) dominance in the Upper House. While 26 candidates were elected unopposed, high-voltage contests in Bihar, Odisha, and Haryana saw the BJP and its allies leverage cross-voting to secure key victories.
The most significant outcome of the day was the transition of Nitish Kumar, Bihar’s longest-serving Chief Minister, to the Rajya Sabha, marking a major shift in the state’s political landscape.
1. Bihar: NDA Clean Sweep
In a major blow to the Mahagathbandhan, the NDA won all five seats in Bihar.
- The Victors: Alongside Nitish Kumar (JD-U), the winners include Nitin Nabin (BJP), Ram Nath Thakur (JD-U), Shivesh Kumar (BJP), and Upendra Kushwaha (RLM).
- The Strategy: The sweep was aided by the absence of several opposition legislators and tactical voting, ensuring the RJD-led alliance failed to secure a single seat in this round.
2. Odisha and Haryana: Cross-Voting Cracks Opposition
- Odisha: The BJP secured two seats with Manmohan Samal and Sujeet Kumar. The BJD’s Santrupt Misra and Independent candidate Dilip Ray (backed by the NDA) also emerged victorious.
- Haryana: The BJP’s Sanjay Bhatia won comfortably, while the Congress managed to send Karamvir Singh Boudh to the Upper House despite internal friction.
3. Historic Milestone in West Bengal
In West Bengal, where five candidates won unopposed, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) created history.
- Menaka Guruswamy: The senior Supreme Court lawyer, elected as a TMC nominee, has become India’s first openly queer Member of Parliament.
- Other Winners: The list includes former union minister Babul Supriyo, former DGP Rajeev Kumar, and actor Koel Mallick. The BJP’s Rahul Sinha was also elected without a contest.
Rajya Sabha Election Results 2026 (Contested Seats)
| State | Candidate | Party | Result |
| Bihar | Nitish Kumar | JD(U) | WON |
| Bihar | Nitin Nabin | BJP | WON |
| Bihar | Upendra Kushwaha | RLM | WON |
| Odisha | Manmohan Samal | BJP | WON |
| Odisha | Santrupt Misra | BJD | WON |
| Haryana | Sanjay Bhatia | BJP | WON |
| Haryana | Karamvir Singh Boudh | Congress | WON |
| Himachal | Anurag Sharma | Congress | WON |
Notable Unopposed Winners
- Maharashtra: Sharad Pawar [NCP(SP)] and six Mahayuti candidates.
- Tamil Nadu: M. Thambidurai (AIADMK) and Anbumani Ramadoss (PMK).
- Telangana: Abhishek Singhvi and Vem Narender Reddy (Congress).